An increase in wallet thefts in Harvard's libraries in December has police concerned as undergraduates head to the libraries during reading period.
Cabot Science Library showed the most activity last month, with six larcenies occurring there. Thefts were also reported in Widener, Lamont and Langdell libraries as well as Memorial Hall.
"[This] is a significant amount," said Peggy A. McNamara, spokesperson for the Harvard University Police Department.
While police are unsure whether the thefts will recur as students return to campus, they are taking no chances.
HUPD detectives, led by Sergeant Richard Mederos, have narrowed down a time frame the thefts usually occur in, and HUPD is adding uniformed patrols to the libraries during those hours.
The libraries are taking the thefts seriously, but they are not a major threat to student safety, said Beth S. Brainard, spokesperson for the Harvard College libraries.
"We certainly don't have any special emergency plan in place," she said.
And the employees in the affected buildings say they will continue to be watchful of potential thieves.
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